There’s something timeless about peanut butter cookies—warm, soft, and filled with nutty goodness in every bite. This version, inspired by Jimmy Carter’s grandmother, is the definition of home-baked comfort. With simple pantry ingredients and no fancy tools required, these cookies are perfect for whipping up on a cozy afternoon or sharing during the holidays. The soft, chewy texture paired with the signature fork-marked tops brings both nostalgia and pure satisfaction.
If you’re craving a classic cookie recipe that never goes out of style, these peanut butter cookies are calling your name.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🥜 Soft and chewy – never dry or crumbly
- 🧡 Nostalgic and simple – no chilling or complicated steps
- 👩🍳 Beginner-friendly – great for kids and new bakers
- 🥄 Customizable – add chocolate chips, nuts, or dip in chocolate
- 🎁 Perfect for gifting – stays soft for days, freezes beautifully
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter, butter, and both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
- Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place on prepared baking sheet 2 inches apart.
- Use a fork to press each ball in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set and centers look soft.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Estimated Cost: $4–5 per batch
Nutrition Facts (per cookie)
- Calories: 135
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Fiber: 1g
Tips & Variations
✅ Tips
- Use room temperature butter for the perfect soft texture.
- Want thicker cookies? Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized cookies.
🔄 Variations
- 🍫 Add ½ cup chocolate chips or dip half the cookie in melted chocolate
- 🥜 Stir in chopped roasted peanuts for crunch
- 🌾 Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 baking blend
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well-stirred and not too oily. Expect a more crumbly texture.
Do I have to chill the dough?
Not required, but you can if you want thicker cookies or if your kitchen is warm.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes! Just reduce added salt to a pinch.
How should I store them?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Why do peanut butter cookies have fork marks?
The dough is dense—pressing with a fork helps them bake evenly and gives the classic look.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- – Fork
- Baking sheet + parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream peanut butter, butter, and sugars until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
- Scoop dough into balls, place 2 inches apart.
- Flatten with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 9–11 minutes. Cool 5 minutes on the pan before transferring.
Notes
Conclusion
These peanut butter cookies are the kind of treat that brings back memories and creates new ones. Whether you’re making a batch for a cookie exchange, an after-school snack, or a cozy night in, this recipe delivers every time. Inspired by a First Family classic, these cookies prove that simple recipes often make the biggest impact.
Serve them warm with milk, sandwich them with chocolate, or freeze a batch for later—either way, you’ll come back to this recipe again and again.’